Arizona canyon railroads double the adventure
If you are looking for Arizona train rides that immerse you in history, deliver a unique experience, and entertain the entire family, climb aboard the Grand Canyon Railway and the Verde Canyon Railroad. Located in Northern Arizona, both adventures run restored rail cars and vintage trains. The Grand Canyon Railway offers immersive live entertainment with its cowboy shows, train bandits, and musicians. The Verde Canyon Railroad, meanwhile, offers a passive educational experience with storyboards at the Depot and recorded narration on the train. [travelawaits.com]
What to see along the Staten Island Railway
Did you know that the Staten Island Railway can trace its roots back to an investment by Gilded Age tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt? The single line, operational since the 1880s and the only rapid transit system on the island, is a subsidiary of the MTA. From the rail-ferry terminal of St. George — where Manhattan ferries from dock — the railway winds through the center of the island down to Tottenville near Raritan Bay. Highlights include the National Lighthouse Museum and the Great Kills Park area of the National Park Service’s Gateway National Recreation Area. [untappedcities.com]
Train away for South Florida fun and adventure
If you are itching for something new to do or some adventurous outings, we know the perfect thing to scratch that itch. It does not matter what your interests are, there is something for everyone in South Florida — from history buffs, parents and shoppers to foodies and more. What kind of adventure are you looking for? Here are a few to get your wheels spinning — all accessible by Tri-Rail, which has everything you might need including onboard Wi-Fi, free parking at train stations, and 18 of those stations with connections or short Uber rides to many South Florida attractions. And it is just $5 roundtrip on weekends. [bocamag.com]
Eagles soar above Appalachian gorge railroad
All aboard the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, a one-of-a-kind journey that winds through the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, offering gorgeous views, lush greenery, and plenty of fun. “The bald eagle train,” travels The Trough, a six-mile wooded gorge carved by the South Branch Potomac River and a popular nesting site. Snag a window seat or watch from the open-air car and catch these beauties thriving in their natural habitat. Excursions, all of which offer potential bald eagle sightings, range from 1.5-hour train rides to day-long outings! [southernliving.com]
Skip the freeway and explore SoCal by train
These days, freeways aren’t the only way to get around LA. Ever-worsening gridlock and major public investments in public transport mean that bopping around much of Los Angeles and Southern California via rail is an appealing option. Direct train service will take you to many of SoCal’s top sights plus scores of equally worthy yet less-vaunted places. You can lie out on the beach, explore historically rich neighborhoods and cities, see world-class art, get a dose of Hollywood glamour or even ride to Disneyland. [lonelyplanet.com]
